Thousands of anti-Israel protesters from around the country are expected to descend on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, as Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, make their case for the White House.
As of Sunday, Chicago Tribune At least seven large demonstrations on issues ranging from abortion rights to economic injustice have reportedly been authorized by city officials.
But the largest of these demonstrations are expected to be by anti-Israel groups calling for the US to cut off aid to Israel and end the war in Gaza.
Hatem Abdayeh, chairman of the American Palestinian Community Network, said: The Washington Post Even though President Biden has left office, “they feel that their administration is responsible for this ongoing war and genocide,” he said.
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The Democratic National Convention begins this week at Chicago’s United Center. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“Our targets are the Democratic Party and its leadership, including ‘Killer Kamala,'” Abdayeh said.
Meanwhile, the Israeli-American Council plans to hold a rally in support of Israel on Wednesday.
Chief programming officer Aya Schechter told the Chicago Tribune their message is simple: “We support Israel.” The group also aims to highlight those still being held hostage by Hamas.
With tens of thousands of people expected to gather at various locations across the city during the Democratic National Convention, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Friday that all protesters are welcome.
“They don’t have to worry about their First Amendment rights,” Johnson said. “I’m going to make sure these people have everything they need to make sure their voices are heard.”
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But Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling vowed that authorities would step in if the protests got out of control.
“We’re not going to allow people to come here and destroy the city,” Snelling said earlier this week, according to the Chicago Tribune.
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Other rallies are expected to take place this week despite the necessary permits not being granted.
